Next week is National Insect Week (23-29 June) it is organised by the Royal Entomological Society and encourages people of all ages to learn more about insects.Did you know that there are over one million species of insects in the world these are just the ones that have been discovered and named with possibly many more new species out there just waiting to be found? In the UK alone there are more than 24,000 species, they are very varied in appearance (shape, size and colour) and live quite differently in their own habitats, many go unnoticed in our day-to-day life, why not go and explore your patch to see what is living in your school garden or your garden at home.Be preparedHopefully the sun will be shining but you may need waterproofs, old clothes and Wellingtons.EquipmentA Minibeast/Insect Identification Guide, Camera, Magnifying Glass, Note Pad, Pencil and a suitable container (not airtight) to study your insects (release your insects as soon as possible and return them to where they were found, please take care not to injure the insects themselves or disturb their environment).Where to lookHave a look under stones/rocks/plant pots/logs and rotting wood, in compost heaps and long grass, on the underside of leaves, on flower heads, in leaf litter and near ponds (always have an adult with you).

An Insect Hunt is a great way to get children (and adults) outdoors and interested in their environment, everyone can take part whatever their age (I love it just as much as Thomas), here are some of our findings on our Insect Hunt last weekend.

To celebrate National Insect Week (25th June – 1st July) why go on a Bug Hunt in your school garden or at home. Gardens have become a haven for wildlife, especially now that our farmland is becoming more intensively farmed. There are hundreds of different species of Insects but being small and quite elusive they often go unnoticed in our day-to-day life, why not go and explore your patch to see what is living on your doorstep.Be preparedYou may need to wear waterproof/old clothes and Wellingtons.EquipmentA Minibeast/Insect Identification Guide, Camera, Magnifying Glass, Note Pad, Pencil and a suitable container (not airtight) to study the insects (release any insects as soon as possible and return them to where they were found, please take care not to harm the insects themselves nor cause significant disturbance to their environment).Where to lookHave a look under stones/rocks/plant pots/logs and rotting wood, in compost heaps and long grass, on the underside of leaves, on flower heads, in leaf litter and near ponds (always have an adult with you).

Dragonfly

Insects to look out for

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Ladybirds

Grasshoppers/Crickets

Beetles

Butterflies

Hoverflies

Aphids/Greenfly

Moths

Lacewings

Ants

Wasps

Bees

Earwigs

Flies

Bugs

Once you find your insect, make a record of what it is, draw a picture of it or take a photograph, record where you found it, what it was doing or what it was eating/feeding on and the date (Write your information in your Wildlife Diary).This is a great way to get children (and adults) outdoors and interested in their environment, and it is something that everyone can do whatever their age (I love it as much as Thomas).Happy huntingGill